Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) should create and provide programming to assist faculty in integrating equity, diversity and inclusion practices into their curriculum.
That's one of the recommendations KPU will be pursuing after officially launching its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan. In total, the plan, which is focused on employees, makes 80 recommendations across nine themes to create a positive experience for all at KPU.
Senator Baltej Dhillon
"Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan will drive forward the quest for fairness and justice, to ensure everyone has equitable opportunities to thrive at KPU regardless of their background," says KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis. "This plan promotes diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities with the intent of fostering a respectful and inclusive environment."
Other recommendations with the EDI Action Plan fall into themes that include education, training and resources; leadership; complaint reporting; health and wellness; accommodation and support; hiring; and retention and advancement.
"These recommendations are intended to support EDI practices throughout the institution," says Dr. Asma Sayed, Vice-President, Equity and Inclusive Communities. "They strive to strengthen employee awareness and understanding of EDI and address systemic barriers to create space for full participation of employees in the university community."
The EDI Action Plan was launched at KPU Surrey on July 22. The keynote speech at the launch event was provided by Canadian Senator Baltej Dhillon, a KPU graduate who had a successful 30-year career in policing, playing a key role in several high-profile investigations and in various leadership positions. In 1991, Dhillon became the first Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer to wear a turban after advocating for the right to practice his faith while serving.
"I've seen firsthand how diverse communities make our country stronger," says Dhillon. "When we create space for everyone to be heard and valued, we build trust and with trust, we build a better future."
The action plan will work in coordination with other guiding documents and principles that have already been developed: the findings and recommendations of KPU's Task Force on Anti-Racism; the university's Accessibility Plan, which aims to make KPU fully inclusive for people with disabilities; and the xéʔelɬ Pathway to Systemic Transformation Framework, KPU's response and commitment to upholding the responsibilities expressed through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action, the Calls for Justice stemming from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people, and the United Nation's Declaration Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The EDI Action Plan and its implementation will be overseen by the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities, which was created in 2023 to provide leadership to advance key EDI initiatives across the institution.
